My endocrinologist, Dr. Kenneth Blanchard, passed away on April 15th. He was a US physician but he treated patients from all over the world. People here might know of his two books ("What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Hypothyroidism: A Simple Plan for Extraordinary Results" and "Functional Approach to Hypothyroidism: Bridging Traditional and Alternative Treatment Approaches for Total Patient Wellness").
I first saw Dr. Blanchard in June, 2014 and he saved my life and my sanity. He treated my hypothyroidism (and more recently, took charge of my HRT), all of which gave my life back to me. No other physician would treat me because my "levels were normal". Dr. Blanchard LISTENED to me, treated my symptoms, was always available for questions and guidance. Because of HIM, I am now in a good place. I don't think I would be were it not for this one, caring man. I was to see him on May 23rd (my regular 6-month checkup). I am very sad that I now do not have the opportunity to tell him just how amazing he is and what a difference he has made in my life.
I will miss his personal approach, his lone-wolf expertise, his willingness to challenge the establishment of medicine for the sake of his patients, that ever-present twinkle in his eye, his playfulness, his thoughtfulness and his love of telling jokes.
My heart goes out to his family, friends, colleagues and patients. He will be sadly missed.
Rest in peace, sweet Doctor. I hope you are making them all laugh up in the heavens.
xoxo
UPDATE: For those interested, here is a link to Dr. Blanchard's obituary on Legacy.com ( legacy.com/obituaries/bosto... ) as well as a link to the online guestbook where you can read the notes left by friends, family and patients ( legacy.com/guestbooks/bosto... )
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milkwoman
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I hope so, Ruthi. I had been prepping my PCP for about a year to take over my treatment and wanted to have a succession plan from Dr. Blanchard first (was going to be a topic of discussion on the 23rd). While I won't get to do that now, my PCP is on board (I wrote him today and already have received a positive response) since he has seen my improvement under Dr. Blanchard's care and approves.
Once I get my medical records from Dr. Blanchard's office, I will make copies for my PCP. (I wouldn't be surprised if Dr. B's notes in my file don't already have some sort of plan in place). I will also ask Dr. B's office staff if they know about any endos who follow the same principles as him. Honestly, this is all still sinking in. Today's letter was such a shock. I think I will be okay since after 3 years, I seem to (finally) have a good handle on things. I'm trying to stay positive!
I've been under-medicated, I've been over-medicated and I have had my sex hormones all out of whack and now, they are back in balance. I've been on levo alone and a combo of levo and slow-release T3 (didn't work for me). All those ups and downs, trials and errors, were very educational. Plus, the information I've gleaned from this site over the last 3 years has been invaluable as well.
If this had occurred 6-12 months ago, I wouldn't be in such a calm place. I would be in a high state of panic. I'm sure, some of his patients are in that very place and I feel for them. I also feel badly for anyone who was waiting to see him who just didn't get the chance.
The world of Endocrinology has lost a champion. There has to be more like Dr. B who will step up to the plate and take his place.
We would hope there are other doctors out there who are also careing, helpful healers whos sole concern is the return to health of the people in their care. He was what a doctor should be.
milkwoman Would you be so kind and share with us who didn't get to be treated by Dr Blanchard how he dosed you with T4 /NDT ? He was very much into T4 and small amount of T3 added to the mix .98/2 was his moto . I'm sorry I didn't get to be his patient . I have both of his books .He really got it . He was out of the box Dr . He will be very missed by thyroid patients . Please post who will take his place and follow his philosophy . Though I never met him he will be missed by the thyroid community . VERY SAD ...
I sent you a response to your private message to me as my experience is complicated in that I also have lupus and Sjogren's Syndrome.
I don't have any information on a successor. But, I have heard rumors that there might be a female physician he has trained as well as a third book in the works. What this all means now that he has passed, I do not know. If I find out anything when I go to the office to pick up my medical records, I will post on TUK.
So sorry you didn't get meet him and be a patient.
Hi. I am also a patient of Dr. Blanchard (for 10 years!) and didn't receive the letter. I found out today when I called to speak with him about adjusting my T3. I can't believe it. I have no idea how to get my medical records and want to get my PCP and new endocrinologist on board, like you. Did the letter say how we could get our records? I called the office and the number is disconnected. Thanks and I hope everything is going well for you!
Me too! 10 years! If you call the updated number on the voicemail- you will get info on how to order your files- also if any former patients know of a doctor who practices like Blanchard (T3/T4 compounds) PLEASE share!! Can't believe I lost the best doctor I had
Yes, Dr. Blanchard was the best! Will always miss him.
I'm not exactly sure what you are asking... You can PM me with questions.
I can provide info for the provider that has taken over his practice. As far as my treatment plan goes, I take levothyroxine (brand is Tirosint). But please understand that what works for me may not work for you.
Sorry to hear of your loss - I Know what it means to lose a DR. that is so good - i lost a Rheumy ,not that he passed it was in my case his nurse and him never got along SO she used me as a pon and falsified letters accusing me of many wrong doings - and I can't prove it BUT many people working at that hospital know just what i mean. So maybe his predecessor will follow his work . The best to you , MW --please let me know how you make out Thanks for sharing C & J
Once I get to speak to his office staff (he worked alone - I know he tried for years to recruit young physicians to follow in his footsteps. Difficult sell as he constantly worked under the threat of malpractice - no one EVER filed this against him but the medical establishment constantly harassed him. I can see young endos just starting out having too much fear to buck the system.) I will have a better idea of what the future holds. Until then, my PCP has agreed to continue on the path that Dr. Blanchard has laid out for me. He sees how much better I am doing on the protocol.
I know what that is when the doctor bucks the system. My integrity GP is always getting into trouble with our very non careing Medicare bureaucrats. So stupid, as he helps people others even specialists have not helped or they have thrown up their hands because you are not responding how you 'should'.
So sad......... your blessed to have found a great doctor! I have had .......like one in my life. It's kinda sad......... as you would think people going into the healing field we would find more loving and kind doctors! Seems to be the norm now a days!
Yes, 5858, I feel so very blessed to have found him when I did. It was purely by accident as I was desperately searching online for an endocrinologist who might actually listen to me when I stumbled upon a review of Dr. Blanchard by a patient.
I was stunned to learn that his office was not only in my state, but only about 20 minutes away! I called his office and spoke to the admin who told me I needed to send in a medical history along with some other information. She also warned me that the earliest appointment was about 3 months out. I didn't care - I was going to do anything I had to in order to see Dr. B.
In addition to the requested paperwork, I included a three page personal letter to Dr. Blanchard, detailing my 2.5 years of feeling so unwell and the struggles of seeing specialist after specialist with no answers. To my utter amazement, Dr. Blanchard personally called me back! I almost cried! AND, due to a patient cancellation, I was able to see him within 2 weeks time. At that appointment, I immediately knew I had found the right doctor. He not only saved me, but he gave me the strength to continue searching for answers - which ultimately led to two autoimmune diagnoses in addition to my hypoT. It was validation that I was NOT crazy!
So sorry you have only met one great doctor. I am fortunate to have met several great doctors. My PCP, GYN, Rheumy and Orthopedic physicians are all amazing. I am still looking for a decent Heme and Gastro. I know they are out there!
So sorry to hear, my 31 year old daughter was diagnosed with hasimotos at the age of 17. After no success with a few local endocrinologists, I found Dr. Blanchard's book , called his office and off to Boston we went. He did wonders for my daughter, has felt great for years, got her doctorate in physical therapy, married in 2011 and am happy to say she that with his expertise, she had our first grandchild on March 10th 2017. He was a brilliant doctor and I hope and pray that she can find someone like him. He will be greatly missed.
So wonderful that you met Dr. B and that your daughter had the opportunity to be treated by him. Nice to hear the treatment was successful and that her life is going so well. Congratulations to you and her!
He was mentoring another physician. PM me if you would like info.
Thank you so much for getting back regarding another possible physician who may practice as he did. I am a little technically challenged, not quite sure if his is going through as a pm, if you could get that information to me that would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
Milkwoman, I took dr. Blanchard's passing hard and mourned like he was a family member. I lost my thyroid to cancer at age 8 and no other endocriologist could help me grow or mature properly. He did a lot of the experiments on himself. My telecomference with him was scheduled this August 2017. I sent you a PM.
You are not alone, Krista. I was blessed to be in his care for the last 3 years and I too feel I have lost a dear, dear family member as well. He was just that special of a man and physician. I've sent you an PM with information.
Hi, Milkwoman. I have never had the pleasure of meeting and working with Dr. Blanchard. I am from Florida and our doctors are less than desirable especially in the field of endochronolgy and I have been suffering for close to two years now with Hashimotos hypothyroid. On and off all different brands and doses. I am currently visiting family in Boston area and did not know if you knew of a mentor of Dr Blanchard or another endocrine that you have had success with. Please pass along any information that maybe helpful as this has been such a long struggle and I would love to get my life back 😕
So sorry you have been suffering! I do know the physician Dr. Blanchard was mentoring and have sent you a PM.
Take care.
My daughter, age 51, has been seeing Dr. Blanchard for many years. He was her only physician. She doesn't have a primary care physician. Though she works full time, she is low income so she's on the ACA and not all doctors will accept that insurance. She paid Dr. Blanchard out of pocket. She worshipped Dr. Blanchard and said he saved her health and wellbeing. She never received a letter from his office of Dr Blanchard's passing. Today she went to the pharmacy to get her thyroid prescription refill and was shocked by the news of his death! Aside from feeling sad because a great man has passed away, she can not get her thyroid prescription filled. She was told they can not refill it because the prescribing doctor is deceased. She really needs a refill. She has an old business card from a woman MD whom Dr. Blanchard was training years ago and has tried to reach her. Have you had any luck finding a successor? I am very concerned about my daughter. My primary care doctor can't help her.--- Sally Tso, Brookline
I would like to know if you've had any luck as well. I am a patient of Dr. Blanchard's for 10 years. I don't know what I will do. He was such a great man.
My daughter now has an appointment with a woman who was mentored by Dr. Blanchard. I believe her name is Dr. Katz. However, Dr. Katz is so busy seeing Dr. Blanchard's other former patients that the earliest appointment available wasn't until sometime in September. Dr. Blanchard's widow will mail his former patients' medical records to them on request.
I just learned of the very sad news that Dr. Blanchard has passed away. I was a patient for over ten years and was going to call the office to make an appointment because my thyroid is out of wack. Do you happen to know of another physician who shares the same treatment principles of Dr. Blanchard? I am actually a little bit panicked because my thyroid has been out of balance since I have had surgery. I am so glad that you are doing well and your primary care Dr. is willing to follow Dr. Blanchard's treatment regimine.
I apologize for bugging you -- I see you've gotten so many requests -- would you be able to pass along the name of Dr. Blanchard's successor? I am desperate!
Hi milkwoman. Thank you so much for your posts here. Dr Blanchard was my doctor too. I would very much like to know the name of his successor! Thank you so much!
I also have been treated by Dr Blanchard, for over 10 years; he really turned my health around. Was due to see him again this month, and it was quite a shock to hear from my pharmacist just recently that he had passed. Dr. B really was one-of-a kind and his loss is keenly felt. I'd be grateful if you can PM me with the name of the doctor you saw who's continuing with his standard of care.
I was a patient of Dr.Blanchard for less than a year but enough to know how great of a man He was.I was shocked and so sad to hear about his passing.He will be so missed by many of us!!!
I am one of those who felt lost.Still looking for a new doctor...
Today I called the Pharmacy that Dr.Blanchard worked with and they gave me the name of the Doctor that is accepting most of his patients.
I left a message and hopefully will hear back soon.
Milkwoman I understand that you live in the area ,do you mind sharing with me which GYN, Rheumy and Orthopedic physicians you see, I appreciate it!
Pretty new to this site. Struggling severely - in Alabama but will go anywhere to get treated by the right dr.
I just came across dr. B book - which is unbelievable as I have been trying to sort thyroid out for 9 years and had never heard of him. I have tried many combos of meds and his protocol sounds the most sound of anything I have heard. Can you you let me know ( PM? I don’t know what that is )!
Thanks so much and I am so glad you are improving in your health . D
Hi milkwomen, I am having a terrible time and my health is taking a toll on me. I have multiple autoimmune disorders and am DESPERATE to find a good dr to help. Is there any way you could share with me the successor’s information PLEASE! ❤️
Hi Milkwoman😊. I hope you are feeling better and meds are working for you. I am going to be in the Boston area soon and wanted to ask you if you have been pleased with Dr. Blanchard’s successor? I have been to soo many doctors and spent so much out of pocket to always seem to never get results. Do you feel his successor is as competent and expert at Thyroid care as he was? Thank you for any info related to your experience with her that you can 😊.
Yea, I’ve been pleased with the care and expertise of Dr. Katz. She is very progressive and believes in looking at the full blood panel (not just TSH and FT4) as well as symptoms to determine treatment.
Balancing thyroid hormones successfully is very tricky and requires patience. I’m currently on levothyroxine and recently added in compounded liothyrinine cream as my blood results showed FT3 only just halfway through range and was still feeling fatigued. (I did try compounded slo-release thyroid extract but something in the mix just didn’t agree with my system).
Her schedule fills up very quickly. If you are considering an appointment with her, I would suggest calling the office and inquiring as to her availability for a new patient (new patient appts are longer than regular appts). There's a lengthy patient questionnaire to fill out and you will want to have blood work done prior so results can be discussed.
That's a complicated question to answer as I have many issues, other than HypoT, that I am contending with currently. I have my good and bad days and working on resolutions to get me to better health. I hope you are well.
It is a very difficult road for sure. My issue is that I can’t get my numbers to level out. They are up and down by a significant range. One blood draw I’ll have a TSH of 26 and then it will be 8 with no change in meds. Many times when I increase my dose, my TSH will increase . I hope and pray that one day they can figure out away to eliminate the antibodies of autoimmune disease! Take care yourself 😊
I used to see Dr blanchard and now I am with a new dr just treating me with T4. I'm waking up in the middle of the night, my joints, hips especially feel sore. I feel like I'm getting fibromyalgia and I'm under 40. I have some bloodwork I'm getting on Monday but I'm thinking of finding a dr like dr blanchard. Do you know who took over for him? Thank you!!
Found this when looking for info on Dr. Blanchard, after reading his book. Very sorry to hear of his passing. Was aware of him 15 yrs ago & regret not trying to become a patient, even moreso when I read how funny & respectful he was. I'm also in the Boston area (western burbs) and am looking for a knowledgeable endo, MD or GYN if you're aware of any. So hard to find any who will prescribe NDT or bioidentical hormones!
Before Dr. Blanchard passed, he was training another physician in his protocols. I see this physician now. Her name is Dr. Rachel Katz. You can read all about her and her practice on her website: newtonintegrative.com
She might be able to recommend a GYN and a GP for you. I’m on the Northshore so the GP and GYN I see would be too far away for you.
Thanks for the fast reply! OK, I will ask her. It's so bizarre how rare bioidentical gyns are in the Boston area. Ideally, I'd like to find one physician to prescribe all my hormones including thyroid.
Actually I'm in Bedford, right off 128, so some No. Shore areas are easier for me to get to than Newton, but if you're way up there, I guess it will have to wait until I move to Gloucester, one of my goals.
Dr. Blanchard used to prescribe my HRT along with my thyroid hormones and Dr. Katz took over that until I was having issues (couldn’t get the balance right) so we decided it was best that my GYN take over. It’s a good thing IMO because (1). HRT isn’t Dr. K’s expertise and (2) I like having my female health monitored to avoid any complications.
My GYN isn’t as progressive as I’d like and I had to fight her a bit to get on the dose I’m currently at but it’s just that’s she gets concerned about cancer risks of prolonged HRT usage. I went into menopause early (age 47) and expect to be on HRT for a long time which makes her nervous.
I don’t share my GYNs concerns but we both agree to monitor my GYN health closely. I have checkups twice a year and an U/S yearly. So far so good.
My GYN is older and I expect her to retire in the next couple/few years. I’ve been with her for over 25 years and she has been good to me. Dr. Katz did give me a name of a GYN on the North Shore that she believes to be more progressive so I have that in my back pocket if and when I have to switch.
Wow, no kidding! There are a ton of tech companies here so he must be in some technical field or in the Air Force. (I'm right next to Hanscom Field)
Sigh....I know what you're going through with your gyn. If only we could convince them that the stupid WHI study their fear is based on was invalid because it used the very carcinogenic synthetic progestins. That's the source of the paranoia about hrt prescribing. But bioidentical hormones will prolong life and prevent cancer, especially estriol. Sadly, as you know, they've all been brainwashed by drug co. rhetoric.
I'd be interested in the more progressive GYN's contact info if that's ok. Once I get a car I will be more mobile.
The name of the GYN is Dr. Anastasia H. Koniaris. She is with the North Shore Physicians Group.
Full disclosure - I know nothing about this physician or the practice BUT from what I've read online, she is well-liked by her patients and has high ratings/reviews.
Hey, she looks like a real gem, thanks! I'll keep her in mind for when I can get to Danvers. Thanks so much for all your help, I really appreciate it. Funny to come across one of the rare people who have helped me on a British site!
You're welcome! Fingers crossed she actually IS progressive and will prescribe the bio-identical hormones you seek (I would inquire that if/when you contact her).
This site has helped me SO MUCH - folks all over the world! But yes, I get what you mean!
Aw, thanks! Her name will be good to have when I'm going down the list of GYN's & hearing "no new patients."
The PCP I have now is willing to prescribe Armour & the GYN is ok with (if not too knowledgeable about) bioidenticals, so I'm in an OK place at the moment. I'm going to ask my MD if he'll add supplemental T4 as Dr. Blanchard described. Neither doc is that knowledgeable so want to find ones who are, as I believe I have have adrenal fatigue too, and my dr. has no ideas about that.
Just one more question- have you also been taking hydrocortisone (Cortef) as well? I tried discussing it with my md, but he just said, "Who's the doctor here?" when I said the adrenals are often involved with thyroid issues. :/
Glad to hear you currently have doctors willing to work/learn from you, even if only partly. They may be willing to do more as time goes on and they see improvement in you with what you are doing.
I know I have cortisol issues (did a 24-hour cortisol test a couple years ago and tried some adrenal supplements but they made things worse). I’m not on hydrocortisone but you’ve got me now curious about it.
Hey, I finally got to my MD (first time I've been further than my mailbox in 6 months!) and he amazingly agreed to add T4 and cortisol to my prescriptions! He said he's familiar with Dr. Blanchard's work, was sad to hear of his passing, and we discussed the need to supplement T4 with T3 (which I have too much of) and to add T4 to NDT. (my situation)
He even said he'd do a basic cortisol blood test just for a baseline, and was willing to start me on Cortef (hydrocortisone) which was a huge relief.
The last time I brought it up, he said "who's the doctor here?" so I thought he'd argue with me this time. He actually said he felt bad about not being able to help me more & has been saying my symptoms make him think it must be "something other then thyroid" causing them. I thought this meant he was unaware of all hypothyriodism's possible symptom, but lo & behold, he meant low adrenal function!
In the meantime, you could try using hydrocortisone cream from the drugstore- I saw that recommended in adrenal groups. I've been using the cvs generic of CortiZone Max Strength for months & it's helped me take the edge off anxiety & other adrenal symptoms. The highest strength you can get OTC is 1%, so you have to use 1/4 teaspoon to get 1 mg. So start with that & if you don't feel any relief, go to 1/2 tsp. You could also ask for higher strength cream for a skin condition, i.e. itching, flaking etc.
Cortisone can cause thinning of skin, so use it on the thicker skinned areas like soles of feet & elbows. I have skin thickening on my feet so that's where I applied it. (or anyplace you've got surface inflammation like athlete's foot etc.)
The adrenal supplements with adrenaline in them (or enough adrenal gland to stimulate adrenaline) would definitely make things worse. I loved Gaia's Adrenal Health but it's expensive for longterm use.
The other thing that's been helping both thyroid & adrenals for me is Pituitary glandular caps by Natural Sources. In fact, I transitioned from Armour NDT to just recently & am doing much better! Seems to create a better balance of T3 & T4.
Wow - great news!!!! Congrats on pushing forward and getting what you need. It does sound like your GP has had a change of heart - so glad he is now listening and working WITH you. Its reassuring to have someone in your corner - so happy for you! 😊
I actually have 2.5% hydrocortisone cream prescribed by my dermatologist. I will read up on how to use it for adrenal support. Thanks!
I tried the Gaia products but they just made me wired even more! I read that can happen.
I took a look at the Pituitary Glandular capsules. Interesting. Do you take in the morning? I know my morning cortisol is very low and my nighttime is high. Would this give a boost in the morning? Also, would I even need this if I use the hydrocortisone cream?
Yay - Tirosint!! It’s strong stuff so I hope you were prescribed a small amount to start off or else you risk flying passed your “optimal point” to over-medicated.
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